Fort Monmouth research complex on display at recent open house

Attendees at a recent open house visit the anechoic chamber at Fort Monmouth’s McAfee Complex, which was once used to test communications with military equipment. — Courtesy: Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority

By Joshua Burd

Real estate and technology industry professionals turned out late last month for a tour of an 89,000-square-foot research complex on Fort Monmouth, where state officials hope to spur the creation of a new campus focused on innovation.

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, a state entity that oversees the redevelopment of the 1,000-acre former military base, hosted a showcase on July 25 of what’s known as the McAfee Complex. The roughly 50-acre property in Oceanport is home to one of the newest buildings still standing on Fort Monmouth and will be put up for sale later this year.

In a news release, FMERA said the McAfee complex is suitable for reuse as a technology park or innovation center. Its features include a 16-foot loading dock, eight 2,400-square-foot raised floor labs and an anechoic chamber.

The recent open house drew more than two dozen attendees, as FMERA officials presented the goals for the project, an overview of the redevelopment plan, updates on recent development at the fort and a tour of the complex. At one time, the McAfee Complex was among 5 million square feet of building area on the iconic military installation, but about 70 percent of that space is now slated for demolition as part of the state’s redevelopment efforts.

That work is continuing following the federal government’s closure of the outpost in 2011. Fort Monmouth, which also includes portions of Tinton Falls and Eatontown, served for decades as a hub for satellite and telecom technology and an economic engine in the region.

New development completed as of today includes 1.16 million square feet of commercial space and 116 residential units, along with civic and entertainment uses, FMERA said. All told, 15 parcels have been sold and 22 parcels are currently under contract, in negotiation or in the development pipeline.

Joshua Burd, an award-winning reporter and editor, has been covering New Jersey commercial real estate for five years. Many industry leaders view him as the go-to real estate reporter in the state, a role he is eager to continue as the editor of Real Estate NJ. He is a lifelong New Jersey resident who has spent a decade covering the great Garden State.